Carabao Cup final team news: Latest update on Marc Guehi, Arsenal lose Mikel Merino

For the first time in 8 years, Arsenal and Man City will recreate the League Cup final on the hallowed turf of Wembley. The last time these 2 met in this specific showpiece was in 2018, a day that remains a haunting memory for the North London faithful. On that occasion, Pep Guardiola’s side delivered a ruthless 3-0 masterclass, with goals from club legends Sergio Aguero, Vincent Kompany, and David Silva. It was a victory that signaled the start of City's domestic dominance.

However, as we approach the final in late March 2026, the tides of power have shifted significantly. Arsenal, currently sitting atop both the Premier League and their Champions League group, enter this contest as slight favorites. Mikel Arteta’s squad has proven they no longer fear their Manchester rivals. 

In their most recent high-stakes meeting at Wembley, the 2023 Community Shield, the Gunners successfully exercised their demons. After a tense 1-1 draw in 90 minutes, Arsenal emerged victorious in a dramatic penalty shootout, reclaiming a trophy at the expense of the Citizens. 

Beyond their current form, the luck of the draw and administrative hurdles seem to be favoring the Londoners. While Arsenal’s core remains intact, Man City is embroiled in a legal battle to allow their star defensive signing, Marc Guehi, to participate. The Etihad board has filed an official appeal, but the clock is ticking against them. 

Below, Soccerwayuk provides the most comprehensive Carabao Cup final team news and injury updates ahead of this monumental clash.

Carabao Cup 2026 final team news

Despite being City’s marquee defensive signing, Guehi is currently ineligible to play in the final due to strict EFL registration rules. The regulation states that a player must be registered with their new club before the first leg of the semi-finals to participate in the remainder of the tournament. Because Guehi’s high-profile move from Crystal Palace was finalized after the January 13th cut-off date, he is technically barred from the Wembley showpiece. 

Ironically, Guehi actually scored against Arsenal for Crystal Palace in the quarter-finals of this very competition before his transfer. Since arriving at the Etihad, he has been immense, earning a 300,000-pound weekly wage and starting 3 consecutive Premier League matches, all of which resulted in City remaining unbeaten.

Man City has officially submitted a petition to the EFL to grant a special dispensation for Guehi, arguing that the rule is archaic for mid-season transfers. A verdict is expected by early March, but sources suggest an exception is highly unlikely. 

Guardiola did not hide his frustration, stating: "Hopefully we can convince the EFL to let Marc play the final. I don't understand why he can’t play. We hope to have a petition. Buying a player for a very high price but not being allowed to play him because of a rule I don't understand is difficult. I hope they can change this rule."

Compounding City’s defensive woes, they will definitely be without Josko Gvardiol, who is recovering from a long-term setback and is not expected back until next season. However, there is a silver lining for Guardiola as John Stones, Savinho, and Mateo Kovacic have all returned to full training and will be available for selection. In goal, James Trafford is expected to keep his place as the cup specialist.

On the Arsenal side, Arteta faces his own selection dilemma. The Gunners will be without Spanish midfielder Mikel Merino, who is sidelined following foot surgery and likely out until the final weeks of the campaign. Aside from Merino, the squad is remarkably healthy.

The biggest debate in North London remains the "keeper controversy," as Arteta must decide whether to reward cup-hero Kepa Arrizabalaga or revert to his league number one, David Raya.

The players to watch

This final will likely be decided by a few pivotal moments of tactical genius. Arsenal possesses the most lethal weapon in English football this season: set-piece execution. The Gunners have scored a staggering 15 goals from dead-ball situations, a statistic that leads the Premier League. 

However, Man City remains one of the few units capable of neutralizing this threat, boasting one of the highest defensive success rates against corners and free kicks this year.

Individually, with Erling Haaland currently experiencing a rare goal drought, netting twice in his last 8 appearances, City will lean heavily on the creative spark of Rayan Cherki. Cherki has been a revelation, creating 14 ‘big chances’ this season, a number surpassed only by Bruno Fernandes in the entire league. Furthermore, Antoine Semenyo has provided a new dimension of threat; the Ghanaian forward has already scored 5 goals in just over a month since joining from Bournemouth. 

Arsenal’s defense must remain vigilant against his explosive pace. For the Gunners, the return of Kai Havertz has been a game-changer. Havertz has formed a telepathic partnership with Viktor Gyokeres, providing the assists for the Swedish striker’s last 2 goals. The synergy between Havertz's movement and Gyokeres’ finishing could be the blade that pierces City’s makeshift defense.

The venue, date, kick-off time and how to watch Arsenal vs Man City

The Carabao Cup 2026 final will take place at the iconic Wembley Stadium in London on Sunday, March 22, 2026. While the exact kick-off time is typically set for 4:30 PM GMT, fans should monitor local listings for any adjustments.

For viewers in the United Kingdom, the match will be broadcast live on Sky Sports and ITVX. In the United States, fans can stream the action exclusively on ESPN+, while various sports networks across Europe will provide live coverage to millions of viewers.

This report by Soccerwayuk.com has provided the latest Carabao Cup final team news and expert tactical analysis for this historic encounter. We have covered everything from the Guehi eligibility saga to the individual battles that will define the outcome. 

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